Basic Ilocano Phrases for Travel in the Philippines

When traveling to Central and Northern Luzon, it will be very helpful to learn some Ilocano phrases. This will be very handy when using the public transportation, eating in a restaurant or shopping at the market. We have listed down some of the most useful Ilocano phrases for your next trip to the north.

Empanada Festival 2015 | Calendar of Events

The Empanada Festival of Batac was created to showcase the city's famous delicacy, the Batac Empanada. Celebrating its eighth charter day on June 23, the City of Batac will again host the annual Empanada Festival highlighted by the Street Dance Competition. Participating are students clad in colorful costumes of bright yellow, warm orange, brown and green, and dancing to the upbeat tune of Ciudad ti Batac.

Bangui Windmills of Ilocos Norte

The Bangui Wind Farm of Ilocos Norte is one the main attractions in the province because of the 70 meters tall windmills lining the shore of Bangui Bay. The 20 wind turbines provides 40% of the total power requirements of Ilocos Norte.

Empanada Festival 2013

In celebration of its sixth City Charter Day on June 23, 2012, the City of Batac is holding the Empanada Festival 2013 showcasing its number one product, the Batac Empanada. Highlight of festivities is the Grand Parade happening in the afternoon of June 23, 2012. See photos from Empanada Festival 2012.


Batac Empanada Festival 2012 | Float & Street Dance Parade

After almost a year after when we first visited the city of Batac, we are back this year to attend the Empanada Festival in celebration of Batac's fifth cityhood charter day. The festival is a gesture of Bataqueño pride in their One-Town One-Product (OTOP), the Batac Empanada. Highlight of the festival is the Float and Street Dance Parade scheduled to take place every 23rd of June.

Balay da Blas, Traditional & Modern Accommodation in Laoag

Balay da Blas Pensionne House is a 13 room bed & breakfast located in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte province. The property features both traditional and modern Ilocano inspired accommodation suitable for both tourists and business travelers. We first stayed at Balay da Blas back in August 2011 followed by another trip in June 2012 to attend the Empanada Festival in Batac City.

Free Shuttle Service from Airport to Downtown Laoag (Centro)

When we were about to board the plane in Manila for Laoag, I received a good news from Mr. Sam Blas of Balay da Blas via text message saying that there is a free shuttle service from the airport to hotels in Downtown Laoag.

Laoag International Airport

We're back in Ilocos Norte to attend the 2012 Empanada Festival in the neighboring city of Batac. During our first visit back in August 2011, we were not able to take photos of the airport since the flight was scheduled at night. This time, our flight was scheduled at noon time and we arrived at Laoag International Airport at 1:20pm. The clear sky also allowed us to take aerial shots of SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, the town of Paoay and the Sand Dunes of Ilocos Norte.

Aerial Photography: Paoay and Sand Dunes

Aerial photo of the town of Paoay, Ilocos Norte, taken on board Cebu Pacific flight 5J 404 (Manila-Laoag)
June 23, 2012 1:03pm

Batac Empanada Festival 2012 | Schedule of Activities

image source: www.facebook.com/cityofbatac

The City of Batac is celebrating its fifth City Charter Day today, June 23, 2012. Highlight of today's celebration is the Empanada Festival Streetdance. Below is the schedule of activities as posted on the official Facebook Page of the City of Batac.